Esty was graduated from Yale College in 1845 where he was a member of Skull and Bones.

He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1847.

Esty was elected as a Republican to the Forty-second Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of George M. Brooks and served from December 2, 1872, to March 3, 1873.

He continued the practice of his profession in Framingham, Massachusetts, until his death there December 27, 1912.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress